CAVC student Jasmine is off to India to represent Wales at the Young Chef Olympiad 2019

Cardiff and Vale College Level 2 Hospitality student Jasmine Jones is set to jet off to India to represent Wales in a prestigious international competition for young chefs – the International Young Chef Olympiad 2019.

Following an internal competition among the College’s Hospitality learners, Jasmine was chosen. The students each had to come up with a meal using a special basket of ingredients.

Jasmine, who is 17 and from Pontyclun, will be joined by CAVC Chef Lecturer John Crockett who act as mentor when they fly out in the New Year. Jasmine and John will be sponsored by the Cardiff Hoteliers’ Association who have previously sponsored CAVC apprentice Alex James in 2018 and student Amy Hoskins in 2017 when they took part in the contest.

“I’ve won this College competition to go to India,” Jasmine said. “It’s an amazing experience and an amazing opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and to meet new friends and make connections in the industry.

“I’m nervous but it’s going to be an amazing opportunity and I’m just going to try my best to get as far as I can in the competition.

“I’d just like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the Cardiff Hoteliers’ Association for its kind sponsorship and for giving me this opportunity. All of this wouldn’t be possible without their support so I am determined to do well.”

CAVC Chef Lecturer and Jasmine’s mentor John Crockett added: “We’re very proud and privileged to be going to India for the Young Chef Olympiad 2019. I would also like to thank the Cardiff Hoteliers’ Association.”

Eric Couturier, the College’s Deputy Head of Catering, Hospitality and Food Manufacturing, said: “This will be a life changing opportunity for Jasmine. She will be demonstrating her skills, creativity and flair among some of the best young chefs from all over the world which will be a fantastic experience and everyone at CAVC wishes her the very best of luck.”

Cardiff Hoteliers’ Association Vice Chair Karen Matthews said: “This is Cardiff Hoteliers’ Association third consecutive year of sponsorship for the Young Chef Olympiad. We are delighted to be able to continue the relationship with the college.

“As an association, we are very dedicated to encouraging young talented people into our industry and we feel that this international cookery competition is a fantastic platform for young student chefs to showcase their skills and put Wales firmly on the culinary map.

“We know it will be an experience of a lifetime for Jasmine and hope that her  experiences will go some way to attract other young people into a career in catering and as in previous years, in the long term help Cardiff and Vale College to establish the pipeline of talent in chefs that is so desperately needed at present.”